Things to Do in Winston-Salem with Kids

There’s no shortage of family-friendly attractions in Winston-Salem. Whether your crew loves the outdoors, arts, or hands-on learning, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone happy.

• Körner’s Folly – A whimsical, historic house museum in Kernersville, full of quirky architecture and surprises that kids love to explore.
• Pilot Mountain State Park – Just a short drive from downtown, this iconic mountain offers hiking trails and breathtaking views—great for families who want a dose of fresh air and adventure.
• Kaleideum Downtown – An interactive children’s museum that’s perfect for a morning of play and creativity. My kids are OBSESSED!
• Winston-Salem Downtown Arts District – Filled with colorful murals, local galleries, and family-friendly events, it’s a fun place to stroll and soak in the culture.
• Artivity on the Green – An urban park-meets-art installation, where kids can run while parents enjoy the creative setting.
• Mast General Store – A nostalgic stop where families can shop for outdoor gear, candy by the pound, and unique gifts.
• Tanglewood Park – Known for its seasonal events, playgrounds, trails, and even Softgolf, this is an easy all-day outing with kids. We saw their Christmas lights on our last trip and it was magical! Soft golf and Horseback riding are a MUST! 
• Old Salem Museums & Gardens – Step back into history and experience life in an 18th-century Moravian community. Families can wander cobblestone streets, interact with costumed interpreters, and learn hands-on.
• Reynolda Village & Gardens – A beautiful spot for a walk, complete with gardens, shopping, and plenty of space for kids to roam.

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Where to Eat and Grab Coffee

Good food is part of every great family trip, and Winston-Salem doesn’t disappoint. Here are my top recommendations for family-friendly restaurants and coffee shops:

• Lot63 – A cozy café to fuel up on great coffee and pastries. Located in Old Salem.
• East of Texas – Tex-Mex flavors in a casual setting, perfect for families. This place was our favorite!! The food was amazing!
• Camel City BBQ – Classic Southern barbecue with a laid-back vibe.
• Cugina Forno Pizzeria – Neapolitan-style pizza and a fun atmosphere in downtown. Make sure to try the gelato! 
• Barcelona Burger and Beer Garden – Huge burgers and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Krankies Coffee – A Winston-Salem staple for locally roasted coffee and delicious breakfast options.
• Dough-Joes - In Reynolda Village, this is the sweetest cafe with made to order doughnuts and speciality drinks. Perfect atmosphere.

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A 3-Day Family Itinerary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Planning a weekend getaway to Winston-Salem with your family? Here’s a sample 3-day itinerary that blends history, outdoor adventure, and plenty of good food and coffee.

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Winston-Salem

Morning

• Start your trip with coffee at Krankies. Parents can fuel up with their locally roasted coffee while kids enjoy a breakfast biscuit.
• Head to the Kaleideum Downtown, Winston-Salem’s interactive children’s museum, where little ones can climb, explore, and create.

Afternoon

• Grab lunch at Camel City BBQ for classic Southern barbecue in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Stroll through the Downtown Arts District to see colorful murals and galleries. Stop at Artivity on the Green, where kids can run off some energy.
• Pop into Mast General Store for old-fashioned candy by the scoop and outdoor gear.

Evening

• Dinner at Cugina Forno Pizzeria, where wood-fired pizzas are quick, delicious, and always a hit with kids.

Day 2: History & Gardens

Morning

• Begin with breakfast at Lot63 for coffee and pastries.
• Spend the morning at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Families can wander cobblestone streets, watch costumed interpreters bake bread, and step into history.

Afternoon

• Lunch at East of Texas, offering hearty Tex-Mex favorites.
• Explore Reynolda Village & Gardens, where kids can run through the beautiful grounds while adults enjoy the historic setting and boutique shops.

Evening

• Dinner at Barcelona Burger and Beer Garden. Big burgers, fries, and milkshakes make it a relaxed end to the day.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure & Day Trips

Morning

• Take a short drive to Pilot Mountain State Park. Hike one of the family-friendly trails and enjoy sweeping mountain views. This is a perfect way to get outside and stretch your legs.
• After your morning outdoors, head over to Körner’s Folly for a fun tour of the historic house and makes sure your grab a scavenger hunt for the kids as you tour the eccentric and fun home.

Afternoon

• Pack a picnic or grab sandwiches on the way to Tanglewood Park. Families can enjoy trails, playgrounds, golf, and even Softgolf, a fun twist on the traditional game.

Evening

• Wrap up your trip with one last dinner downtown or circle back to a favorite spot like Camel City BBQ or Cugina Forno before heading home.

This family-friendly Winston-Salem itinerary balances history, arts, outdoor adventure, and good food—making it an easy and fun weekend trip in North Carolina. Whether you’re hiking Pilot Mountain, exploring Old Salem, or simply sipping coffee downtown, Winston-Salem offers a little something for every member of the family.

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